John Curran has called on the Donegal County Council to reduce pound charges for animal rescue charities following the disclosure that 199 dogs were put down at the Donegal Pound in 2013.
John Curran, a local election candidate for FG in the Glenties EA, believes the county council must take the lead in ensuring that the protection of animals is at the core of the pound service provided by the Council.
Curran met recently with Ryan McCauley of Donegal Pet Rescue and was dismayed to hear that the Charity and other animal charities such as Animals in Need have to spend vital money raised by volunteers to pay pound fees to rescue dogs.
Curran, who has supported DPR for many years in his work as Manager of Donegal Volunteer Centre, is in conjunction with his brother Brian Curran of LK Pets.
They’re both gravely concerned about the impact that these charges are having on the ability of the various charities to save as many animals as possible.
Ryan McCauley, from Donegal Pet Rescue who disclosed the details of the worrying situation said, “Donegal Pet Rescue in 2013 saved 512 dogs and 270 cats many of whom had to be purchased from the pound.
“The cost of running the charity for 2013 was €77,000 a significant percentage of which was spent on pound fees to save dogs who would otherwise have been put to sleep.
Curran highlighted the official figures which show that 442 dogs in Donegal were rescued by these charities in 2013, while some 199 were put down.
Curran said, “Without the work of Donegal Pet Rescue and other similar charities many of these 442 dogs may have been put killed in the pound.
Curran is in conjunction with DPR has pledged to work for a significant reduction in the €40 per dog charged levied on DPR and other animal charities, while appreciating that pound fees generate income for the Council.
Curran added, “This matter should be beyond monetary consideration.
“If people want to help with this work in whatever way they can, they can contact the charities directly or get in contact with Donegal Volunteer Centre.
For more information contact John Curran 086 8186035 eolas@johncurran.ie
